Traumatic brain injury can impact a person for months, years, or a lifetime. If you or a loved one has suffered an adult brain injury, you need to know about the long-term impact.
Our experienced Greenville personal injury lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains.
How Is a Traumatic Brain Injury Diagnosed in Adults After an Accident?
Traumatic brain injury is diagnosed in adults after an accident through a combination of:
- Patient history
- Patient observation
- Testing, including motor function, reflexes
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
- Neurological testing
- CT scan, MRI
The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses eye opening, verbal, and motor response to evaluate brain injury.
Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults
TBI long-term effects in adults show worsening health and social outcomes measured by increased rates of:
- Mental health disorder
- Psychiatric hospitalization
- Lower educational levels
- Claiming disability benefits
- Claiming welfare benefits
- Premature mortality
- Poor social functioning
compared to the population that has not suffered a significant traumatic brain injury. TBI long-term effects may include increased risk of dementia, stroke, and late-onset epilepsy.
Older age at the time of injury may increase these risks. In addition, injury recurrence further increases the risk of poor health outcomes.
Source: Sariaslan et al., Long-Term Outcomes Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury in Childhood and Adolescence, PLoS Med.
Long-Term Physical Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults
A brain injury can impact long-term mobility and muscle control. The person may experience poor coordination, muscle weakness, or paralysis. They may also experience sexual dysfunction, incontinence, or cardiovascular issues.
Physical long-term effects of traumatic brain injury may include an increased risk of chronic pain and fatigue. Sleep disorder may occur, and the person may be at risk for neurodegenerative decline and disease.
Long-Term Cognitive Effects of TBI: Memory, Focus, and Processing
The cognitive effects of TBI may be long-term. The injured person may have memory deficits, process information more slowly, and struggle with executive function. Communication may be impaired.
These long-term struggles can contribute to a poor quality of life. A person with communication difficulties may, for example, struggle with employment and social communication. Poor executive function may lead to poor personal finances. A person may suffer anguish and emotional distress from the long-term cognitive effects of TBI.
Emotional and Behavioral Changes Caused by Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults
Long-term emotional and behavioral changes caused by traumatic brain injury may include depression, anxiety, and personality changes. Brain trauma may upset emotional regulation. A person may become impulsive or apathetic. These emotional and behavioral changes can significantly impact quality of life and interpersonal relationships.
Source: Howlett, Biol Psychiatry, Mental health consequences of traumatic brain injury.
How TBI Affects Adult Relationships, Careers, and Quality of Life
The long-term effects of TBI are multifaceted. For example, a person who experiences incontinence may struggle to maintain employment. When someone experiences emotional instability, they may struggle socially. A person with a brain injury will likely need a patient-centered, diverse approach to identifying impact, managing care, and improving quality of life.
How Long Do the Long-Term Effects of TBI Last in Adults?
The long-term effects of TBI in adults can last for months or years or continue indefinitely. Even the best medical care may not be able to predict long-term impact.
How Does Adult TBI Differ from TBI in Children?
An adult TBI may be easier to assess than a brain injury in a child. The reason is that the adult has an established baseline of normal functioning and behavior, while the child is still developing. Adults may be better able to articulate their symptoms than children.
Brain injury can be life-changing for both adults and children. An injured person may need financial support, medical care, and personal help. An injured person may qualify for compensation through a personal injury claim.
The Financial Impact of Long-Term Traumatic Brain Injury on Adult Victims and Families
Financial impact of long-term traumatic brain injury on adult victims and families may include:
- Short-term medical bills
- Long-term medical bills
- Mobility and independence support costs
- Personal care costs
- Home modifications, car modifications
- Mental health care
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing evaluations and monitoring
- Lost income, lost career
- Costs for replacement child and dependent care
In addition, there may be an indirect financial impact, such as when worsening executive function makes it harder to manage personal finances. A person who experiences anxiety may be less able to earn an income. These financial struggles, both direct and indirect, can affect the entire family.
How Long-Term TBI Effects Increase the Value of Your Greenville Personal Injury Claim
A Greenville, SC personal injury claim may include all losses and damages that result from injury. For TBI, that may include the long-term effects. Even if the future is uncertain, the claim may include what’s reasonably likely.
To receive the compensation that you deserve, the claim must explain, with evidence, that the person suffered a traumatic brain injury. The injury must be the result of the accident and the legal fault of the defendant named in the claim.
When TBI causes long-term effects, it can drastically change the person’s life, which can significantly increase a personal injury award. It’s important to claim compensation through a court case, even when damages are yet to occur, because a claim cannot be reopened once it is complete.
The Hidden Impact of TBI on Family Members and Caregivers, And Their Legal Rights
TBI doesn’t just impact the injured person. Family members and caregivers also experience sudden and significant life changes. A family member may suddenly become a full-time caregiver and may need to learn how to provide support. These financial and emotional costs can be reflected in a legal claim. A lawyer can make sure that your claim is fully valued for compensation.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has suffered the long-term effects of brain injury as an adult, we are truly sorry. Bobby Jones Law is an experienced Greenville personal injury lawyer, helping injured people and their families.
Bobby Jones handles claims involving the long-term effects of brain injury. Call or message us now.
